Foursquare Lands Major Deal with Several TV Companies
Location-based social network Foursquare this week announced a HUGE/Game changer deal with Bravo TV. Bravo TV is home to shows like “The Real Housewives,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” “Top Chef,” “Kell on Earth,” “Top Chef Masters” and “Shear Genius.” Other Big Media Networks have signed on as well, according to a report on Mashable's site, this includes companies such as Zagat, Warner Bros., HBO and the History Channel. This deal will see Foursquare's games and social network aspect being integrated with these TV Networks.Why do I say this is a HUGE/Game Changer? Because it will ensure that viewers to these popular TV networks stay interacted way after viewers turn off the television, close their laptops and stop watching these shows. What do I mean by "staying interacted”? Well here is a perfect quote from Foursquare's chief executive, Dennis Crowley:
"With Foursquare people leave content behind for others to find, like tips of the best drink at a bar,” Mr. Crowley said. “With shows that are tied to real locations in real cities enhancing this with content from contestants and judges on Top Chef or another Bravo show is going to make it even more interesting.”
Another way Bravo TV plans to engage with their viewers is by offering Foursquare players “badges” and special prizes when viewers visit more than 500 Bravo locations. The locations will be picked by Bravo to correspond with selected Bravo shows including “The Real Housewives,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” “Top Chef,” “Kell on Earth,” “Top Chef Masters” and “Shear Genius.” - Via: NYTimes Bits BlogsWhat this means, is viewers can turn fiction into reality and live like the show’s main characters; go to the same bars and shops, visit the hottest nightspots and best restaurants etc.A Reality show here in New Zealand I Personally thing will really fit this concept is, TV3’s New Zealand’s Next Top Model, because models are generally seen as party-going, trendsetting, ‘know what’s good’, type of people. Here's an example why I think this is going to be powerful: say a contestant goes out to chill at a local hot spot, she will check into foursquare, leave tips like what is the best drink, whether the music was good, and automatically that venue is in the spotlight because a NZ’s Next Top Model Contestant checked in, bringing in clientele which might not usually visit there. It would also act as a popular conversation starter amongst your friends, for example " [insert name] from NZ’s Next Top Model was here and she had this cocktail".Taking the Bravo TV Badges idea, the show could possibly partner up with Foursquare and design their own custom badges, such as a "You party like a Supermodel" badge.I definitely see this benefiting local shows like NZ’s Next Top Model in terms of engaging with their viewers to a whole different level as being a great promotional tool for dining and entertainment venues, they will thrive from it.I would love to hear your thoughts on this? Do you think New Zealand Television will be implementing this concept anytime soon?